Tadley councillor David Leeks wins national cribbage competition

A TADLEY councillor put his cribbage skills to good use – winning a national competition organised by The British Polio Fellowship.

Councillor David Leeks, chairman of the council, won the contest in Leicester during the 2014 Indoor Games, organised by the charity.

Cllr Leeks said: “I’ve been playing cribbage for many, many years. I was pleased to get into the finals, and it was great to win.”

Among the guests at the 2014 Indoor Games was GB Paralympian Anne Wafula Strike, a Harlow-based wheelchair racer who contracted polio at the age of two.

She took part in some of the games and presented medals to the winners, including Cllr Leeks, at the evening’s gala dinner.

She said: “I had a great time meeting all the people taking part, and I was proud to have been invited as the guest of honour.

“As a Paralympian, I can identify with how important it is to have an opportunity to compete, and the games are a perfect way of allowing people with Polio to do just that.”

Ted Hill, MBE, chief executive of The British Polio Fellowship, said: “The Indoor Games just keep getting better and better, and this year was no exception, with Anne’s involvement being the icing on the cake.

“All those involved take the games very seriously, so to have a Paralympian of Anne’s star status and reputation involved was a real boost to everyone, and we can’t thank Anne enough for taking part.”